Page 124 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

CATALOG OF BREEDS | SPITZ-TYPE DOGS

Papillon

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN White
8–11in 5–11lb 14 years Black and white
(20–28cm) (2–5kg) White coats may have any color patches except liver.

Dainty and delightful, but definitely not delicate, this dog Long, plumed tail
falls over back
makes a fun-loving and intelligent companion

The Papillon is named for its erect, fringed In the UK and the US, both the Papillon
ears, resembling butterfly wings (the word and the Phalène are regarded as the same
papillon is French for “butterfly”). The breed, since the two types can occur in
breed is descended from the “dwarf the same litter. The FCI refers to both
spaniels” that were popular in the royal types as Continental Toy Spaniels.
courts of Europe from the Renaissance Today the Papillon is most often
onward. This type of dog was often seen as a pet or in the show ring.
portrayed in paintings of and for the These lively, intelligent dogs love
nobility, such as the 1538 Venus of Urbino human companionship and enjoy
by Titian. In 17th-century France similar plenty of play and exercise. They
dogs were imported and bred at the court require early socializing with
of Louis XIV, and in the 18th century they other dogs and strangers,
were the pampered favorites of Madame since some individuals can be
de Pompadour and Marie Antoinette. nervous. The long, fine, silky
The earliest form of the Papillon had coat needs daily grooming to
drop ears; this type still exists and is prevent mats from forming.
known as the Phalène (French for “moth”).
Toward the end of the 19th century the
modern Papillon with its erect ears began
to appear, and this version is now much
more commonly seen. In both types the
ears are notable for their long, silky fringes.

Long-fringed, Head rounded
“butterfly-wing” ears between drop ears

Tricolor

PAPILLON
White
with black
patches

PHALÈNE

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